Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso Is Its First New Espresso in 43 Years

I imagine many of us are probably very familiar with the taste of Starbucks' espresso. It's a dark, strong flavor, and for the past 43 years it's been the only option for Starbucks espresso drinks like lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos. But as of this morning, Starbucks customers will have their choice of espressos when ordering those drinks, because Starbucks just introduced its first new espresso in 43 years: the Blonde Espresso.

Starbucks says its new Blonde Espresso is a lighter roast than the original flavor. It's smoother and slightly sweeter — which means those who normally take sugar in their coffee may find they don't want to use as much.

The Blonde Espresso might taste lighter, but in very good news for all the college students and not-morning-people of the world, Starbucks assures us it has just as much caffeine as the original.

A light-roast espresso might seem like an odd choice for Starbucks, which made its name selling very dark coffee. But after 43 years of getting everyone to drink dark coffee, the company has decided to introduce a gentler version, both as a gateway for people just starting to drink espresso, and for those espresso drinkers who think Starbucks' classic formula is a bit too dark for their tastes.

(Image credit: Starbucks)

"We set the standard for a dark, boldly roasted coffee and in this case, we broke a few of our own rules by taking a lighter approach to espresso which created a bright taste with sweet citrus notes and a smooth body," Andrew Linnemann, Starbucks' vice president of global coffee, said in a statement. "We are really proud of the roast and think customers are going to love experimenting with it."

As of this morning, the Blonde Espresso is a permanent part of the Starbucks menu at 8,000 locations around the world. So now you'll be able to have your choice between light- and dark-roast espresso whenever you order your favorite latte, Americano, or mocha.